Cover
Leader of Tomorrow:
Derek Doke Company: Original Joe’s (Franworks Group of Companies) Incorporated: 2000 Date leadership assumed: 2006 (Original Joe’s) and 2000 (Franworks Group of Companies)
D
erek Doke could easily be considered a serial entrepreneur. It’s been in his blood ever since he was in high school, in one way or another. By late 2000, he approached the two founders of Original Joe’s to partner with them to expand the growing business into a regional brand. He then began buying the founders out of the business and took over 100 per cent control in 2006, growing the brand from 10 to 50 stores for a current growth rate of 14 per cent. Today, the business is growing at an average rate of 10 new locations per year in Western Canada, with about one third of them franchised and the remainder corporately owned or joint ventures. He has never lost his focus – or his sense of humour. “A good laugh can help keep things in perspective,” says Doke. “I think it’s our approachable, down-to-earth service and good value that keeps our loyal customers coming back.” In keeping with his business philosophy, Doke and his entire team are part of the wider communities where they operate. Over the years, he’s supported organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, the Kerby Centre, Canadian Armed Forces (CFB Edmonton), SSUBI Foundation, Inn from the Cold and Safe Haven. Under the broader Franworks Group of Companies (which includes Original Joe’s, State & Main, Elephant & Castle, Land and Sea and Outsourced Construction Services), he’s created a wider brand of restaurant, retail and construction firms. Doke’s entrepreneurial flair is built on inclusiveness of the entire team. He introduced an employee profit-sharing program for corporate staff, as well as a managing partner and kitchen partner equity programs for store-level managers. As he continues on his growth path, it’s clear that Doke is confident in the brand’s ability to thrive. “We are on a solid and predictable path,” he says.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Photo by Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc. Furniture provided by McCrums Office Furnishings
BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com